The Post reported in December that Mr Cann started the business after applying for a loan via X Forces, a delivery partner of The Start Up Loans Company. He was keen to help people coming out of the forces and struggling to find appropriate work.

He said: "When I first left the Army, I felt as if there wasn't enough support for ex-forces people. I struggled to find an organisation that could help me in a constructive way.

"The Start Up Loans application process is very simple and there is always someone there to guide you through the process.

"Ex-forces personnel are highly trained, motivated and very loyal - three attributes that I look for when hiring staff. Part of my long-term plan is to become one of the biggest employers of ex-forces personnel in the UK."

The 'loan recipient of the month' scheme was newly created in 2014 to help illustrate the range and quality of business ideas being generated via the Start Up Loans Company since its inception early last year.

Tim Sawyer, CEO of Start Up Loans said: "We are delighted to recognise Lawson Cann as our very first loan recipient of the month. His business does a wonderful job creating employment for ex-military personnel and we wish him all the best.

"The Start Up Loans team feel privileged to be able to help individuals like Mr Cann make great business ideas become a reality."